1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
What a motley crew of people listed here. Fornicators, which includes all manner of sexual sinners. People who worship idols and false gods. Adulterers that have cheated and lied to their spouses. Effeminate, which deals with men acting like women or without natural affection, dealing with bisexual or homosexuality. Those who have abused their bodies with sex and other things. Those who steal and covet. A drunkard, fighter or those who extort money. The scripture plainly says WILL NOT inherit, or enter, the kingdom of God (which speaks of the blessing of Heaven).
Now I know that some of you have just placed the halo atop of your head, considered your life and come up with the conclusion that this isn't you. But if you will look closer you will probably find that we are are guilty of at least one of these sins mentioned.
I'm so thankful the story doesn't end there! The scripture goes on to say... "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name or the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God". My favorite part of this scripture is just before this section... "And such were some of you:" if you knew who I was before Christ you would find that I just about fit the bill in everyone of these categories. But thanks be to Jesus for the word "were".
If we have been washed in His blood then don't wallow in sin. If we have been sanctified, then don't entertain sinful temptations. If we have been justified, then live in and through the name of Jesus! Remember, you "were" that way, not that you "are" that way.
I am not what I need to be, but thank God I'm not what I used to be!
